The Neighborhood Crime Watch Program is a cooperative effort between the Richfield Police Department and individual neighborhoods. Neighborhood Crime Watch is a group of neighbors, most often living in a one block area, that have agreed to watch each others property and report suspicious or criminal activity to the police department.

This program has been effective in deterring crimes such as burglary, theft, vandalism and auto theft. Due to this success, the program has gained national popularity.

Criteria for starting up a Neighborhood Crime Watch

Benefits of signing up

The greatest probability of preventing a crime is through reports of suspicious activity by concerned and conscientious neighbors. Although the police department incorporates residential patrol as part of its patrol functions, officers are not familiar with the routines of individual neighborhoods. Therefore, it is important that citizens become the eyes and ears of the police by reporting suspicious activity that is not a part of the neighborhood’s routine. One of the goals of Neighborhood Crime Watch is to have neighbors become familiar with each other, so they will be able to recognize when something or someone is unusual in the area.

The first step in organizing a Neighborhood Crime Watch is taken by someone within a neighborhood who takes the initiative in organizing an initial meeting. The block coordinator will work with the Crime Prevention Unit in establishing a time and meeting place. The meeting will last about an hour and a half. During this meeting you will learn about how to prevent crime in your area and the various resources available to you without cost.

The Crime Prevention Unit is comprised of a police officer and a crime prevention specialist who may be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at 861-9875 or 861-9845.

Neighborhood Watch is a proven crime prevention program, but its success depends upon you and your neighbors. Current research proves that if individuals take responsibility for their own lives and join forces with the legal system, significant battles at the neighborhood level can be won.

For more information, contact:
Jill Mecklenburg
ph 612-861-9845